BILL NUMBER: SCR 32	CHAPTERED  06/02/99

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER   44
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   JUNE 2, 1999
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY   MAY 27, 1999
	ADOPTED IN SENATE   MAY 6, 1999
	AMENDED IN SENATE   MAY 6, 1999

INTRODUCED BY   Senators Baca, Alarcon, Bowen, Brulte, Burton,
Chesbro, Dunn, Escutia, Hayden, Haynes, Hughes, Johannessen, Johnson,
Kelley, Knight, Leslie, Lewis, McPherson, Monteith, Morrow,
Mountjoy, Ortiz, Peace, Perata, Polanco, Poochigian, Rainey, Solis,
Speier, Vasconcellos, and Wright

                        APRIL 29, 1999

   Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 32--Relative to National Day of
Prayer.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 32, Baca.  National Day of Prayer.
   This measure would recognize the first Thursday in May as the
National Day of Prayer and ask that religious faiths of all
denominations celebrate the dignity of and respect for all people and
bring the message of peace and hope through prayer.




   WHEREAS, It is important for children to learn key values that may
include their family traditions, an awareness of prayer, and the
rights and responsibilities of citizens and children in America's
free society; and
   WHEREAS, On April 20, 1999, gunmen opened fire at Columbine High
School in Littleton, Colorado, resulting in the death of 15 persons
and injuries to numerous others; and
   WHEREAS, This Colorado shooting is the fifth major school shooting
to occur since the October 1, 1997, incident at Pearl High School in
Mississippi where two persons were killed and seven others were
wounded; and
   WHEREAS, There was a time when schools were safe and we did not
have to worry about children or youths being killed in a school
incident; and
   WHEREAS, The times have changed and many people now believe that
this destructive trend results from too many children who have not
been taught a moral standard or given a spiritual belief but are
daily bombarded by violence, disrespect, and moral scandals; and
   WHEREAS, The youth of today must be protected and guided along
their way since they face numerous challenges unknown just a few
years ago, and our country's youth will grow up to lead the 21st
century; and
   WHEREAS, In 1952, President Truman and Congress established the
"National Day of Prayer," and in 1988 Congress set aside the first
Thursday in May (May 6th this year) as an annual event for Americans
of all faiths to take time to pray for our nation and its leaders;
and
   WHEREAS, Since 1988, every President has issued a proclamation
encouraging Americans to participate in the National Day of Prayer,
and people of all faiths are encouraged to participate in this event
according to their own traditions; and
   WHEREAS, Since 1990, the event "See You at the Pole" is celebrated
on the third Wednesday in September (September 15th this year) and
is an annual event during which millions of young people proclaim
their faith by gathering around their school's flagpole, and where
they pray together to help bring about peace and hope to our nation
and state; and
   WHEREAS, The time has now come to pray not only for our nation's
leaders but also for our children and youth, and it is vital that we
instill upon parents and community leaders the importance of making
young people aware of the importance of prayer; and
   WHEREAS, Prayers will complement the important work of parents who
make it a point to learn about their children's educational program,
spend quality time with their children, and assist in their
education; and
   WHEREAS, Prayer will complement the important work of teachers and
other school personnel who make it a point to learn about the
challenges and strengths of each student; and
   WHEREAS, Prayer will complement the important work of school and
community officials who develop quality safety rules to help maintain
safety in our schools and communities; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the first Thursday in May is recognized by
California as the National Day of Prayer and that religious faiths of
all denominations are asked to celebrate the dignity of and respect
for all people and to bring the message of peace and hope through
prayer; and be it further
   Resolved, That leaders of religious faiths and other persons are
encouraged in this celebration to improve the awareness by young
people about the importance of prayer, the knowledge of diverse
cultures and groups, along with positive ways of interacting, so as
to improve the education of our young people, strengthen families,
and maintain safe schools and communities.
